Can Demos capitalize on Republican foul-ups

Pignanelli: "The good news is that the Democrats don't have a plan to benefit from our blunders; the bad news is that they may not need one," quipped a seasoned GOP insider to me last week. The expression reflects a real fear among Republicans that Democrats may recapture Congress in November — and begs a similar question about Utah politics.

The last mid-second-term election during a Republican administration (1986) was a fertile year for Democrats. Although Republicans maintained affection for their beloved Ronald Reagan, fatigue plagued the GOP, and they lost the U.S. Senate and House seats. That year, Utah Democrats doubled their numbers in the Legislature (including seats in Utah and Davis County), elected Wayne Owens to Congress and garnered many county commission slots. This accomplishment was especially significant because the popular U.S. Sen. Jake Garn topped the ticket and Democratic candidates had to slug it out with no help from a standard-bearer.

Although he faces a tough contest against Orrin Hatch, challenger Pete Ashdown strengthens the Democrat's 2006 ticket with his solid profile — successful high-tech businessman and a fresh face in politics. Of course, every Democrat is blessed with the presence of the state's most popular politician, congressman Jim Matheson — who will soon be reminding Utahns why they like him.

Americans are clearly holding the GOP responsible for the mess in Washington: outrageous budget deficits, questionable outcomes in Iraq, bribing of officials, incompetence with disaster relief and immigration reform legislation that has twisted into an insult to millions of hard-working Latinos. A majority of Utahns still support President Bush, but even they admit to his problems and concede he is no Reagan. Republicans are deflated and frustrated. Indeed, there is no Bill Clinton or John Kerry to stoke their fires for the trip to the voting booth. For decades, Republicans have successfully claimed the moral high ground in comparing themselves to Democrats. In light of the massive ethical problems in Washington, and the occasional misstep in Utah, this is an advantage they no longer possess.

All these elements will provide a real difference in Utah's upcoming general election.

Granted, Democrats have not articulated a demonstrable alternative or why they are the instruments of reform. But America's majority party continually squanders its leadership opportunities to effectuate needed changes. The public is thirsting for action. Thus, the Democrats' heretofore questionable strategy of lying low and keeping out of trouble just may be the key to success this year.